As a sixth form we take pride in the fact that many of our students who leave us to further their education at university are first in their families to go.

With this in mind we ensure that all students are given the opportunity to apply and are guided through the next stage of their lives

The following information and time line is for students in year 12/13 who wish to further their education at university

June/July

Information and guidance will be provided on the UCAS application procedure, for example

• Why do you want to go onto higher education?
• Choosing your university, using prospectuses and other texts.
• The UCAS application form – filling out a copy.
• The process (explaining both the internal process and the UCAS process).

All students attend the university fair in London. All universities across the country attend.

Open day visits to the universities you may wish to attend should be made.

September

You will complete your personal statement and make up to five choices of course/university and finally complete the UCAS form.

October

Oxbridge applications need to be completed by 15th October. If you do not intend to go to Oxford or Cambridge but have completed your application form, you can submit it for processing. If not you should aim to complete and submit your application by October half term.

November/December/January/February

Offers will be made to you by UCAS on behalf of your chosen university.

January/February

Offers continue. January 15th is the final date for applications to UCAS. The Student Loan Company should contact you if you have ticked the option on the application form to invite you to apply for student finance.

Late April / May

Final decisions about which universities you wish to attend have to be made. You will confirm (CF) which university is your first choice and which is your insurance (CI) or second choice.

End of May

Complete student finance application form.

June/July

Exams

August

Examination results are published. Based on your results you will be offered your firm or insurance choice university. In the unlikely event that you do not achieve either of these choices, you may like to enter ‘Clearing’, a process that offers you the opportunity to go to another university which still has places that are available. The Head of Sixth and the Sixth Form support team will be available to guide you through this process.

September/October

University begins

Ten top tips for your application

1. Make sure that you start the UCAS application process early.
2. Give a great deal of thought to where you want to go and what you want to do – remember you could be there for four years.
3. Begin thinking about your personal statement early in the year to bring out the best in you.
4. Make sure you use clear and concise language.
5. The most important part of your personal statement is why you want to study your chosen course.
6. Get your application completed early, by the October half term.
7. Make sure that you check your form thoroughly.